Marijuana's Hidden Toll: Severe Nausea Skyrockets in Frequent Users, CDC Reports

A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a significant and alarming spike in frequent marijuana users showing up in emergency rooms with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a severe condition causing relentless nausea and vomiting. From October 2025 to May 2026, diagnoses for CHS in hospital ERs jumped by 16%, with nearly 200,000 related visits recorded between January 2023 and May 2026 across approximately 7,500 healthcare facilities nationwide. This surge is largely due to a new, dedicated diagnosis code introduced in October 2025, finally giving healthcare providers a clearer way to identify and track this previously underrecognized illness. The rise in CHS cases isn't just about better tracking; it's also connected to changing cannabis use patterns, including increasing use among young adults and females, and the growing availability of high-potency cannabis products. Doctors say this condition, often marked by excruciating abdominal pain and uncontrollable 'scromiting' (screaming and vomiting), is increasingly challenging emergency departments, which frequently misdiagnosed it as other stomach problems before the new code. The paradox is that marijuana is often used to lessen nausea, yet long-term, heavy use can ironically trigger this debilitating syndrome. Looking ahead, health officials are emphasizing the urgent need for greater public awareness and education, especially for younger users, about the risks linked to frequent cannabis use. While hot baths and certain medications offer temporary relief, medical experts reiterate that the only true and lasting cure for CHS is to stop using marijuana completely. This latest data signals a critical public health concern that policymakers and healthcare systems must address as cannabis legalization continues to expand.